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Familyhood
For the longest time, based on no evidence other than our own insecurity and sense of incompetence, my wife and I were convinced that we were the flat-out, no-question-about-it, least-skilled parents in the country. Furthermore, we were convinced that every other set of parents we knew was perfect. They were more thorough in going over their kids' homework, they set better boundaries than we do, didn't let their kids watch as many hours of TV as we do, raised kids who are unfailingly polite in public and have a far greater sense of community and public service than our underachieving offspring over there on the couch watching SpongeBob. We were certain everybody else's kids willingly and joyfully eat nothing but healthy foods, shunning all candy and candy-based products, they all sensibly and automatically put on weather-appropriate clothing, and voluntarily call their grandparents with clockwork regularity, giving fully detailed accounts of their numerous accomplishments, ending with testimonials to their wonderful and perfect parents.
Turns not so much. At all.
In the number one New York Times bestseller Couplehood , Paul Reiser wrote about the highs and lows of falling in love and getting married-and the heartbreak and hilarity that comes with it. In Babyhood , he turned his sharply observant eye to the experiences of having a brand-new family. And now in Familyhood , Reiser shares his observations on parenting, marriage, and mid-life with the wit, warmth, and humor that he's so well-known for.
From the first experience of sending his two boys off to summer camp-the early feelings of gleeful freedom in an empty house, to realizing how empty the house actually was -to maneuvering the minefield of bad words learned at school, this hilarious new book captures the spirit of familyhood, the logical next frontier for Reiser's trademark perspective on the universal truths of life, love, and relationships.
Turns not so much. At all.
In the number one New York Times bestseller Couplehood , Paul Reiser wrote about the highs and lows of falling in love and getting married-and the heartbreak and hilarity that comes with it. In Babyhood , he turned his sharply observant eye to the experiences of having a brand-new family. And now in Familyhood , Reiser shares his observations on parenting, marriage, and mid-life with the wit, warmth, and humor that he's so well-known for.
From the first experience of sending his two boys off to summer camp-the early feelings of gleeful freedom in an empty house, to realizing how empty the house actually was -to maneuvering the minefield of bad words learned at school, this hilarious new book captures the spirit of familyhood, the logical next frontier for Reiser's trademark perspective on the universal truths of life, love, and relationships.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 24, 2018
Say what you will, I’ve always thought Paul Reiser was funny and this book is no exception. He may not be mainstream anymore, and some of you younger readers may have not even heard of him but years ago I read Babyhood and laughed through that as well. So, I finally made my way to read more from Paul’s ‘hood series.
In Familyhood, we get a funny but also occasionally touching look at Paul’s take on raising a family. I had some “haha!” moments and some “that’s so true!” moments. I was entertained throughout. I won’t presume that readers without children won’t like this book, but I definitely think readers who do have children would appreciate the humor more.
In Familyhood, we get a funny but also occasionally touching look at Paul’s take on raising a family. I had some “haha!” moments and some “that’s so true!” moments. I was entertained throughout. I won’t presume that readers without children won’t like this book, but I definitely think readers who do have children would appreciate the humor more.
May 29, 2011
Highly recommend! Not only was it very funny, it was also very sweet and tender. Makes me want to re-read his other two books and watch reruns of "Mad About You."
June 23, 2011
Clearly I loved this book, I gave it five stars. I don't clearly remember Reiser's first two books, only that I loved them, which with my terrible memory is says a lot. They were, if not the very first, very close to the first two audiobooks I ever listened to. And he started me out right! If you haven't read them, give them a try. And then read this. Or read this first, either way.
The guy has that thing that great comedians have to have where he notices the small details about daily life that are special, and then he knows how to make them either absurd or touching, or both, which makes for a really funny and touching book. I kept wanting to quote passages here and on Twitter and to my friends, especially those with kids, but after the third or fourth urge (and I never had a pen and paper, one of the hazards of listening to audiobooks in the car) I realized it would soon be annoying because I'd be doing it all of the time, and I'd have to hope people would read the book. Even people who don't have children themselves will find a lot to relate to in this book. I don't have children, but I thought about my niece, and about my dear friend's kids who are my best buddies as well, and about all of the kids that I've loved over the years. And even more, I thought about all of my friends who are parents and everything that they go through every day. It was as much, if not more, about that than about what it's like to have kids yourself and It was a good window into that experience. So I think that it has something for everyone, whether or not you are a parent. Unless you just hate families. If you hate loving families, this isn't the book for you. Especially if you hate to laugh too.
I highly recommend the audiobook version, hearing the humor, and the love, in his own voice adds so much to the experience. Things that might generate chuckles or seem somewhat endearing on the page are just laugh-out-loud funny or are incredibly sweet when you hear the Reiser tell the story for himself. This would be a great book for a couple to listen to during a car trip while the kids are watching a movie or listeing to music in the back seat - make them wonder what you're laughing about! And why you're looking at them with such love in your eyes.
The guy has that thing that great comedians have to have where he notices the small details about daily life that are special, and then he knows how to make them either absurd or touching, or both, which makes for a really funny and touching book. I kept wanting to quote passages here and on Twitter and to my friends, especially those with kids, but after the third or fourth urge (and I never had a pen and paper, one of the hazards of listening to audiobooks in the car) I realized it would soon be annoying because I'd be doing it all of the time, and I'd have to hope people would read the book. Even people who don't have children themselves will find a lot to relate to in this book. I don't have children, but I thought about my niece, and about my dear friend's kids who are my best buddies as well, and about all of the kids that I've loved over the years. And even more, I thought about all of my friends who are parents and everything that they go through every day. It was as much, if not more, about that than about what it's like to have kids yourself and It was a good window into that experience. So I think that it has something for everyone, whether or not you are a parent. Unless you just hate families. If you hate loving families, this isn't the book for you. Especially if you hate to laugh too.
I highly recommend the audiobook version, hearing the humor, and the love, in his own voice adds so much to the experience. Things that might generate chuckles or seem somewhat endearing on the page are just laugh-out-loud funny or are incredibly sweet when you hear the Reiser tell the story for himself. This would be a great book for a couple to listen to during a car trip while the kids are watching a movie or listeing to music in the back seat - make them wonder what you're laughing about! And why you're looking at them with such love in your eyes.
July 26, 2015
If you are not a parent, you will probably not get much out of this book
Published in 2011
Familyhood is Paul Reiser's follow-up to 1994's Couplehood , and 1997's Babyhood . Reiser is best-known for his television show Mad About You .
If you have children you will certainly understand the big gap between the publication of Babyhood and Familyhood - life with children consumes your time. And, Paul is more than just happy about that fact, he is thrilled with it.
When he wrote this book he his two sons were ten and fifteen years old. I just read it and my two duaghters are nine and fifteen years old. So much of this book rang true to me, especially his discussion on page 24 about how hard it is to just sit down and have time to talk with his wife. He writes, "This may seem to be a might meager aspiration - to simply talk to the person with whom you have committed to share your life - but I assure you it is not. It is, in fact, almost impossible."
How true that is.
Reiser talks about his own family as a kid and what he tries to do differently (he is very kind to his parents, he just would do some things differently) but most of the book is about how happy he is to have had his life overturned by becoming a dad and how much he loves his kids. Yes, it is kind of sappy, but Reiser celebrates that in this book and I can truly appreciate a man who just loves being a dad.
If you are not a parent, you will probably not get much out of this book, if you are you will recognize so many of your experiences in this quick, light read.
I look forward to his book about being a grandparent which I am sure he will write about 15 years from now.
Read more of my reviews at http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
Published in 2011
Familyhood is Paul Reiser's follow-up to 1994's Couplehood , and 1997's Babyhood . Reiser is best-known for his television show Mad About You .
If you have children you will certainly understand the big gap between the publication of Babyhood and Familyhood - life with children consumes your time. And, Paul is more than just happy about that fact, he is thrilled with it.
When he wrote this book he his two sons were ten and fifteen years old. I just read it and my two duaghters are nine and fifteen years old. So much of this book rang true to me, especially his discussion on page 24 about how hard it is to just sit down and have time to talk with his wife. He writes, "This may seem to be a might meager aspiration - to simply talk to the person with whom you have committed to share your life - but I assure you it is not. It is, in fact, almost impossible."
How true that is.
Reiser talks about his own family as a kid and what he tries to do differently (he is very kind to his parents, he just would do some things differently) but most of the book is about how happy he is to have had his life overturned by becoming a dad and how much he loves his kids. Yes, it is kind of sappy, but Reiser celebrates that in this book and I can truly appreciate a man who just loves being a dad.
If you are not a parent, you will probably not get much out of this book, if you are you will recognize so many of your experiences in this quick, light read.
I look forward to his book about being a grandparent which I am sure he will write about 15 years from now.
Read more of my reviews at http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
November 9, 2016
There is a sense of closure reading this book. Mostly if you have read his other ones: couplehood/babyhood. Now that I have read familyhood, I now know what it means to have a family and the importance of keeping that family alive and supportive. Paul Reiser wrote about the highs and lows of falling in love and getting married — and the heartbreak and hilarity that comes with it. In Babyhood, he turned his sharply observant eye to the experiences of having a brand-new family. And now in Familyhood, Reiser shares his observations on parenting, marriage, and mid-life with the wit, warmth, and humor that he’s so well-known for. From the first experience of sending his two boys off to summer camp — the early feelings of gleeful freedom in an empty house, to realizing how empty the house actually was — to maneuvering the minefield of bad words learned at school, this hilarious new book captures the spirit of familyhood, the logical next frontier for Reiser’s trademark perspective on the universal truths of life, love, and relationships.
An amazing actor, he is also an amazing author. He literally gets right down to the nitty gritty of things that make you think what are YOU doing with your life? How is it? Are you making your quota? Are you helping out your family? When I was sitting there reading his book (so while reading his book, I went back and read his other books, just to be on top of things) I was actually revaluating my life! I was thinkng, where has my life gown too, what have I done personally to make my life a living example to my kids (if I ever have any)? He really makes you think about your own life and that what I love about him. His show MAD ABOUT YOU, made me think of my life as well. Good for you Paul Reiser!!
An amazing actor, he is also an amazing author. He literally gets right down to the nitty gritty of things that make you think what are YOU doing with your life? How is it? Are you making your quota? Are you helping out your family? When I was sitting there reading his book (so while reading his book, I went back and read his other books, just to be on top of things) I was actually revaluating my life! I was thinkng, where has my life gown too, what have I done personally to make my life a living example to my kids (if I ever have any)? He really makes you think about your own life and that what I love about him. His show MAD ABOUT YOU, made me think of my life as well. Good for you Paul Reiser!!
May 13, 2014
There is a sense of closure reading this book. Mostly if you have read his other ones: couplehood/babyhood. Now that I have read familyhood, I now know what it means to have a family and the importance of keeping that family alive and supportive. Paul Reiser wrote about the highs and lows of falling in love and getting married — and the heartbreak and hilarity that comes with it. In Babyhood, he turned his sharply observant eye to the experiences of having a brand-new family. And now in Familyhood, Reiser shares his observations on parenting, marriage, and mid-life with the wit, warmth, and humor that he’s so well-known for. From the first experience of sending his two boys off to summer camp — the early feelings of gleeful freedom in an empty house, to realizing how empty the house actually was — to maneuvering the minefield of bad words learned at school, this hilarious new book captures the spirit of familyhood, the logical next frontier for Reiser’s trademark perspective on the universal truths of life, love, and relationships.
An amazing actor, he is also an amazing author. He literally gets right down to the nitty gritty of things that make you think what are YOU doing with your life? How is it? Are you making your quota? Are you helping out your family? When I was sitting there reading his book (so while reading his book, I went back and read his other books, just to be on top of things) I was actually revaluating my life! I was thinkng, where has my life gown too, what have I done personally to make my life a living example to my kids (if I ever have any)? He really makes you think about your own life and that what I love about him. His show MAD ABOUT YOU, made me think of my life as well. Good for you Paul Reiser!!
-Miss Kelsey's Review
An amazing actor, he is also an amazing author. He literally gets right down to the nitty gritty of things that make you think what are YOU doing with your life? How is it? Are you making your quota? Are you helping out your family? When I was sitting there reading his book (so while reading his book, I went back and read his other books, just to be on top of things) I was actually revaluating my life! I was thinkng, where has my life gown too, what have I done personally to make my life a living example to my kids (if I ever have any)? He really makes you think about your own life and that what I love about him. His show MAD ABOUT YOU, made me think of my life as well. Good for you Paul Reiser!!
-Miss Kelsey's Review
February 11, 2013
A wonderful follow-up to his very funny book, "Babyhood." I found myself having a kinship with Paul after reading his "baby" book through for the second time. "Familyhood" now takes us through memories of his two kids growing up, and to be fair, Paul and his bride. Although funny, this book has a bit more of a serious tone to it. I never knew, until reading this book, that one of Paul's children has a physical disability (one that has definitely not stopped his son), but I am sure has brought a new level of perspective in parenting, and one for which I have a high respect for. The experiences Paul shares regarding his dog, trying to find schools for his kids, and the witch doctor he called to his home, are just packed with lines of laughter.
As I stated in my review for Babyhood, go ahead and allow yourself to laugh, and this time, reflect on your own parenting, our kids need us to do so.
As I stated in my review for Babyhood, go ahead and allow yourself to laugh, and this time, reflect on your own parenting, our kids need us to do so.
February 25, 2013
A laugh out loud funny reflection on uncovering the realities of parenthood. Paul Reiser's distinct comic voice and impecable timing come through flawlessly, which is often not the case in comic-turned-author scenarios. Reiser observes the great truths of parenting through the wry lens of a laser sharp eye and presents them with all of the hilarity one could expect. Although I stumbled across this book on a discount shelf and picked it up as a small gift for my husband, I will be making it a point to seek out Reiser's other two books (Couplehood and Babyhood). This isn't an award winning literary feat, by any stretch, but I fell head over heels for Reiser's wit and clarity. As a parent, it is always refreshing to step back and chuckle at the ridiculousness of your current state. I am walking away with a bounce in my step, ready to take on the insanity of the day ahead.
December 28, 2017
If you had asked me last year if I would have ever read a Paul Reiser book, I would not have believed you if you told me I would. And that I would really enjoy it. And want to share it.
A light read in duration, and a funny read I am taking away a five star review because of the brevity of this read.
I really enjoyed it, and would have liked to read more. Paul has a great insight on family and has a really keen eye for observation.
Too many times throughout this book I thought to myself "the very same thing happens in my house", and then laughing because of how accurate and bananas it all is. Laughing out loud throughout this read, I endorse this to people with families and people with Children.
I am now going to read his other books, if that's not a glowing enough endorsement, I don't know what else is.
Happy Reading.
A light read in duration, and a funny read I am taking away a five star review because of the brevity of this read.
I really enjoyed it, and would have liked to read more. Paul has a great insight on family and has a really keen eye for observation.
Too many times throughout this book I thought to myself "the very same thing happens in my house", and then laughing because of how accurate and bananas it all is. Laughing out loud throughout this read, I endorse this to people with families and people with Children.
I am now going to read his other books, if that's not a glowing enough endorsement, I don't know what else is.
Happy Reading.
August 8, 2012
Paul seems like your everyday dad. It was refreshing reading how he didn't have all the answers for his kids--"You're the captain. And the crew is looking a little nauseous." His confessions were genuine: his love for his children as well as his excitement when they were out of the house, his gossiping about other people's kids. It was fun reading typical fears such as having your luggage at the airport busted open for everyone to see. His concern for his children being accepted by others was heartfelt. His morals are admirable. "No judgment can tell you who you are or what you can be, and no judgment is final as long as we are alive and able to put ourselves out there again and again." He seems like someone down to earth that I would enjoy being around.
November 3, 2013
First of all, I'm pretty excited that I have my own computer back, now that Kristin finally has her own. This means that I have a keyboard that's all Mine to review with! OK, for the book..I never really was a fan of Paul Reiser, I watched Mad about You and I liked it, but I thought he could be kind of whiny. This book kind of turned it around for me. He has a couple kids, and one is special needs. The way he describes what family is like makes me so excited to start a family someday. He is very descriptive in the everyday events of the house that I actually catch myself envisioning the same things in my own house someday.
Well written, heartfelt, and honest, definitely recommend. FYI - I haven't read his other previous two books, but I probably will.
Well written, heartfelt, and honest, definitely recommend. FYI - I haven't read his other previous two books, but I probably will.
July 17, 2014
One of the things I like and particularly respect about Paul Reiser, as a comedian, is that he's not all about the punch line. He tells you a story richer than any single laff-line, and you're more for having heard the story. He tells a not-particularly funny story about being on the baseball team and about how first, you have to fit in, and then you can stand out. I feel like he's articulated something meaningful there that I'll be thinking through for a long time. I love how he loves his family, and he does make me laugh, gently, thoughtfully. In that sense, he's more than a comedian, he's a storyteller.
October 5, 2014
I love Paul Reiser's first two books (Couplehood and Babyhood) so I was excited to discover that this one exists. And while I didn't find it as funny as the first two, and while the writing (as usual) is competent but not brilliant, the thing is, I just love Paul Reiser.
He writes parenting and family life as I experience them: not as unmitigated bliss, but as heartfelt joy despite the complications. Even when he talks about more difficult topics like his son's disabilities or his other son's habit of lying, he's not bitter and he never makes his loved ones the butt of his jokes. But he doesn't take himself too seriously either. I just like him, and so I really like this book as well.
He writes parenting and family life as I experience them: not as unmitigated bliss, but as heartfelt joy despite the complications. Even when he talks about more difficult topics like his son's disabilities or his other son's habit of lying, he's not bitter and he never makes his loved ones the butt of his jokes. But he doesn't take himself too seriously either. I just like him, and so I really like this book as well.
September 11, 2011
I mainly read this book because I'd enjoyed his two previous books so much (when they were written ten+ years ago), but this one didn't live up to my experience of the other two. I chuckled many times, but I never actually laughed the way I did when reading the others. This could be because I don't have kids, or because we've grown apart as entertainer/entertainee and his sense of humor doesn't match up with mine so much anymore. But if you're a fan of Paul Reiser, I still think it's worth a read. Interesting peek into the man Paul Reiser, as he is today, if nothing else!
June 6, 2015
3.5 stars. Paul Reiser was one of my favorite actors for years- his show, Mad About You is one of my all-time favorites, and I think I've seen every episode at least twice, many of them multiple times. Reading his book reinforced my love of Reiser, as he writes in a very conversational style, making his reader think that he's just talking to them, friend to friend, parent to parent. He doesn't dole out advice so much as just telling his stories and experiences with his own family, which seems like a great brood. Likable book, likable author.
March 17, 2017
While "Couplehood" remains my favorite of his books (and really one of my favorite books of all time), this one had some great moments. I laughed; he always makes me laugh. His observations are so honest and authentic that, even if the subject matter isn't something with which you're intimately familiar, it's still such a good read. My favorite sections were "Castle Walls," " Emotional Baggage vs Luggage," and "Currency," followed closely by "The Car Door Ding," and "Congratulations." I haveno doubt that if he follows this up with a fourth book in the future, I'll be reading.
May 3, 2019
I have enjoyed Paul Reiser's sense of humor and sense of play both on tv and in his other writing. Nicely done!
August 31, 2011
I've been a fan of Paul Reiser since his "My Two Dads" days and through "Mad About You" and his movies in between. I love that he writes like he talks. From talking about kids, to taking pictures of every single thing that happens, to arguing with the GPS lady, his latest book did not disappoint! I laughed out loud more than once.
August 7, 2015
I read Couplehood so many times in college and found it laugh-out-loud funny (as my roommate Debbie would attest!), but Babyhood and Familyhood weren't quite as funny. There were many touching stories and some funny stories, but when I went into it expecting it to be as funny, it was a bit disappointing.
October 5, 2011
I listened to this book on audiotape read by Paul Reiser (if you haven't listened to an autobiography/memoir read by the author, I highly recommend it). I found this very, very enjoyable and have always like Paul's take on things. He told funny, realistic, poignant, relatable stories about the joys and challenges of being in a family.
October 26, 2011
Fun look at family life through Reiser's eyes. The parts about staying connected (too connected, actually!) through the Internet and being the family photographer are LOL funny. He occasionally gets a little too sentimental for me, but it is the love for his family shining through so it didn't bother me that much.
April 16, 2012
I loved his first two books, Couplehood and Babyhood, and enjoyed this one as well. Familyhood is a bit less funny than his first two books, a bit more philosophical, and more tender and thoughtful. The book is a good reminder about how magical it is to be a parent. I like the fact that he did not mention that his eldest is handicapped until halfway through the book.
March 4, 2013
This is probably more like a 3.5. Reiser is a very good humor writer in my opinion and you can really hear his voice as you read it. I think the first half of the book is very funny and then it gets a little sappy (but heartfelt) in the 2nd half. I remember the other two being funnier. Of course, that doesn't make it a bad book, but it's hard not to hold it up to previous work.
January 15, 2015
Although I have wanted to read his books for a long time, this is my first one and I'm glad I chose this one. At this stage in my life, I was able to relate to all his insightfully funny anecdotes about raising children, growing older, a settled life with the spouse, etc. I have always enjoyed his comedy immensely and I'm glad that his talents extend to being a gifted writer as well.
July 15, 2020
A very delightful read. Paul has a quirky and boyish humor that you can feel and anticipate, and enjoy all in a moment. He shares personal stories and unique perspectives across a spectrum of life experiences that has a delicate and beautiful balance of humor and wisdom and wit. Quick easy read - and worth it!
June 27, 2011
I thought it was well written with a lot of humor. I could almost hear him speaking. It was an honest depiction of family life with all the fun and the heartache too. I really enjoyed reading it; he seems to really enjoy his family.
September 29, 2011
(Non-Fiction - Parenting) Reiser's latest proves that he's still hilarious, but he's also allowed himself to show his tender-hearted side in his third book. Reiser is getting to be a softie! I highly recommend it for parents.
October 6, 2011
No great new insights gleaned from Paul's personal views on fatherhood, family, and parenting, just another refreshing look into the mind of a man who is doing the best he can to provide solid grounding for his kids.
December 11, 2011
Liked it. At times he gets overly schmaltzy, but I laughed out loud a few times and he knows alot of the peculiarities of parenting and always errs on the side of being loving and positive about his family and being a father.
March 29, 2012
Loved this book. Paul's never dying love and admiration for his family is refreshing. His sense of humor when talking about everyday family life and problems or situations that occur in everyone's lives is so natural and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews